Customer Stories
Our workshop services a variety of leather goods including luxury items, unique finds and things of sentimental value. We’re passionate about delivering creative and custom crafted solutions for our clients. Please find examples of our workmanship below, along with the repair or restoration processes that were recommended and carried out by our craftsmen.
Chanel Sole Protection
Background
Classic two tone Chanel beige flats with black caps. A versatile and popular choice among women but also very delicate mainly due to the soft lambskin leather upper and thin leather soles. The proactive customer brought the shoes into the workshop when she noticed the soles and heels starting to wear.
Treatment
The Chanels were brought in just in time for a service. The leather soles were still intact and did not require replacement while only the top layers on the rubber heels were worn in. Thin profile (1mm) colour-matched Vibram rubber was applied to preserve the soles, the leather was then cleaned and the embossed Chanel logo restored, finally new 1/4 heels were custom crafted to match the aesthetics of the shoes.
Prada Handbag Re-dyeing
Background
An old-favourite Prada handbag used many times over the years. Structurally, the handbag was well looked after and required no significant repairs. Unfortunately, as is common with lighter tanned leathers, the cream colour had begun to develop a browny complexion. A few blue pen marks were also found on the leather.
Treatment
The condition of the leather was still intact apart from the discolouration. It was determined a refinishing or dyeing procedure would offer best results. The handbag was redyed with the customer selecting a mulberry sample rather than the original cream colour. Redyeing was deemed more practical due to the leather being less prone to stains and therefore providing a longer lease of life to the handbag.
Louis Vuitton Handles Recraft
Background
A classic mongram Louis Vuitton Tote bag, the handles in dire need of some work. A brief inspection showed that the handles had been previously replaced with a low quality substitute material. The material covering the handles was disintegrating, revealing the supporting material underneath.
Treatment
It was determined that the leather was beyond repair with the best alternative to recraft the handles from scratch. Matching calf-skin leather was selected to match the tote design. The leather was then handcrafted into new leather handles. The edges of the handles were finished with a waxing agent and the ends hand stitched back to the Louis Vuitton’s brass hardware.
CROCKET & JONES LEATHER RESOLE
Background
Can you get leather shoes resoled somewhere in Melbourne? This customer was skeptical he would find a cobbler able to do the work on his beloved Crocket & Jones black dress shoes. He even looked into the possibility of sending the shoes back to the UK for a service but was reluctant to pay the shipping costs. After being recommended to us by another retailer he enquired about the possibility of a full leather resole.
Treatment
While completely resoling leather shoes is not always necessary and many clients opt for a rebuild / half rubber sole protection, some prefer the aesthetics of leather soles. To match the quality of the shoes, a pair of gold embossed JR oak-tanned leather soles were selected for the repair process. The worn soles were removed from the uppers and the cork filling within the shoe cavity replaced. The new soles were hand stitched from the inside, the soles installed, smoothed and matching quarter JR heels added to finish the work.
LEATHER COAT RESTORATION / REDYE
Background
Cleaning out a shed, this customer found a leather coat that was previously worn by his grandfather many decades ago. The leather had lost much of its colour from exposure to sunlight and the fibres were extremely dry to touch. Unsure whether the coat could be restored the owner made the trip down to Melbourne to visit our workshop.
Treatment
The customer expressed a desire to wear the coat meaning not only restoring the condition but also the colour of the leather to be more presentable. The leather was first hydrated, nourished and conditioned from back to front and up to the collar. After the leather was cleaned, a vintage brown (the sample selected by the customer) was mixed and applied over the external and internal leather portions of the coat.
Christian Louboutin sole protection
Background
There is something enticing about the Christian Louboutin red lacquered soles, a wardrobe staple amongst women with an interest in luxury heels. Unfortunately as this woman found, once exposed to the pavement it does not take long for the red pigment to fade as the leather soles gradually wear down. This created a predicament for the customer.
Treatment
To paint, resole or protect? Smoothing and re-dyeing the leather would offer an aesthetically pleasing finish but the soles would eventually wear again. As the customer had already invested a significant amount, she opted for a more long-term solution. 1mm colour-matched half Vibram rubber was applied to the soles and finished with a black edge dressing – the process seamlessly restoring and protecting the soles.
Ferrari Suitcase Relining
Background
A gift from Ferrari after purchase. The customer was given three Ferrari branded leather suitcases each of different sizes. After a short period he began to notice some deterioration in the inner compartments. Wanting to keep the bags as a memento the new owner enquired about the possibility of installing a new leather lining.
Treatment
Inspection of the inside of the suitcases showed that the inner compartments had been fabricated with a synthetic lining. For the work to be carried out a large quantity of matching beige leather needed to be ordered. The original synthetic material was removed from the inside of each of the suitcases and the new roll of leather handcrafted into panels. The new beige lining was applied to each side of the suitcases and finished with a fine layer of stitching.
Oroton Wallet Recraft
Background
A much loved Oroton wallet, the owner had relied upon for many years. Despite the significant structural damage to the leather, the customer was determined to get his favourite accessory restored. He arrived at our workshop workshop in search of a solution, placing his trust in our craftsmen.
Treatment
The wallet required a complete reconstruction. The worn leather was first removed so the wallet could be reinforced from the inside. The piping and edges were then restored and the inner compartments and panel were re-covered with leather. The Oroton logo was cleverly preserved on the front panel, allowing the wallet to retain it’s identity.
Gucci Restorative Clean
Background
These Gucci Murmont red suede fringed loafers were brought into our workshop worse for wear. The formerly vibrant red suede was badly discoloured from dirt and grime, most of which had accumulated on the square toes. In addition the frills were flaring outwards leaving the shoes in an unwearable state. Having only recently purchased the shoes from the Gucci Melbourne store the customer was desperate to get her favourite shoes restored.
Treatment
As suede is limited in colours to be re-dyed, this left our specialists with only the option of restorative cleaning. Fortunately the shoes were waterproofed beforehand significantly aiding the removal of the marks without further discolouring the suede. After cleaning, the suede was then treated with nourishing formulas, to restore the complexion and softness of the leather.
Berlutti Half Sole Protection
Background
When you invest in a $15,000 pair of bespoke Alligator leather shoes, preserving both the bottoms and uppers is a priority. A shoe aficionado with a knowledge of shoe care, this customer insisted to the Berluti store manager to have half rubber soles applied to his newly purchased oxfords. A specific request was made for the soles to be Berlutti branded rather than the Italian Vibram rubber typically applied to new shoes at our workshop.
Treatment
The Berlutti half rubber pre-cut soles had a distinguishing curvature at the base, meaning an arch shaped groove had to be hand cut prior to applying the rubber to the leather. The soles were sanded down a few millimetres to create a bed for the Berluti rubber before the new half soles were adhered to the leather. The soles were then smoothed and hand finished with an edge-wax.
Chanel Re-Cover and Refinish
Background
A animal-bitten Chanel, the leather covered logo had been mauled apart by the owner dog who possibly mistook the designer bag for a toy. The leather was flaring outwards, revealing the metallic skeleton underneath. Such significant damage to a central part of the bag left the owner in need of assistance and after consulting the Chanel boutique in Melbourne she was referred to the our workshop.
Treatment
Inspection of the bag showed that logo could not simply reglued as the leather was destroyed. The damaged leather was therefore removed and stripped from the metallic base. A new section of beige smooth leather was then traced to the dimensions of the original logo. The recrafted leather was carefully applied and the colour was adjusted with a custom matched beige dye.
Vintage Suede Handbag Restoration
Background
One women’s trash is anothers treasure. The dilapidated suede handbag, having caught the new owners eye, was saved from a nearby garbage bin. A keen collector of accessories, she brought the handbag into our workshop with the knowledge that most leathers are restorable.
Treatment
Stained, discoloured and mouldy as well as falling apart structurally – the previous owner could have been forgiven for saying goodbye. The handbag was stitched and reinforced before being cleansed, nourished and recoloured with custom-matched navy blue suede dye. A great find and remarkable restoration of a vintage bag.
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN SATIN COVERING
Background
After searching for shoes to match her wedding dress, this customer fell in love with a pair of mulit-coloured suede Christian Louboutins. She brought her find into our workshop with a 1m sample of white satin with specific instructions to cover the shoes tip to toe.
Treatment
The gold metallic trimmings and multiple shades of suede leather meant that this was not a standard covering job and the customer may have saved costs by purchasing heels with a less elaborate design. Each of the suede panels and trimmings were carefully removed, the satin measured, crafted and attached to the heels. The top portions of the paper thin beige leather insoles also needed to be slightly altered to complete the satin covering.
Crocodile Handle Recraft
Background
A vintage crocodile leather accessory with a gold chain handle. The owner from Darwin was interested in finding an experienced craftsmen to create a matching handle. The bag had been in the family for many years and therefore had sentimental value to the owner. With such leather services in Darwin limited, she posted the bag to the our workshop with her preferences for the design.
Treatment
Corresponding with the customer via phone it was determined the new handle was to be slightly shorter than the chain. Suitable brown scaled crocodile leather also needed to be sourced for the procedure. First the old chain was removed from the bag, the leather was then cut to the appropriate dimensions and crafted into the new handle. The handle was finally attached to the bag with brass pins, which were used to reinforce the handle from inner unexposed sides.
Nine West Shoes Redyeing
Background
Sometimes its difficult to find stylish and comfortable heels in a specific colour. In the midst of shopping within the Royal Arcade, this customer made a brief stop over at our workshop to enquire about the possibility of dyeing her newly purchased Nine West shoes from a darker to lighter shade.
Treatment
Cheaper shoes are not always a great option for re-colouring, as lower quality leathers or materials are sometimes less adherent to dyes. The original colour was stripped with chemicals opening the pores of the leather and allowing the shoes to absorb the white pigment. The dye was applied carefully to each of the straps, making sure not to spoil the beige inner lining.
Oroton Handbag Lining Recraft
Background
An enquiry from Queensland regarding an Oroton handbag, the leather lining worn and disintegrated beyond use. Having only received quotes to ‘patch and repair’ the lining from a few local shoe repairers, the owner was curious as to whether the entire lining could be replaced.
Treatment
The lining was too far gone to warrant a repair with the customer informed that replacement was indeed the best option. The Oroton bag was originally designed with three inner compartments, each of which needed to be fitted with the new leather lining, restructured and stitched from the inside. The work also included insertion of a new zip pocket and preservation of the Oroton metallic tag.
Chanel Lambskin Bag Restoration
Background
While lambskin leather has a beautifully soft texture and smooth appearance, the leather is highly susceptible to scratches and stains. This customer’s lambskin Chanel was brought in worse for wear. The original pink colour had faded and there was a noticeable stain that ran across the top flap of the bag.
Treatment
The Chanel bag required a full colour refinish to restore the discolouration and stained areas. A custom matched pink dye was carefully applied to the delicate lambskin leather. This included the leather woven through the links on strap.
Briefcase Repair & Restoration
Background
An old leather briefcase in need of of some repairs. The bag belonged to the owners father who had subsequently handed it down after retiring. Unfortunately the leather was not in great condition with discolouration on the sides, deterioration around the edges, brass clasps and the single handle.
Treatment
R.M. Williams Leather Restoration
Background
Can you polish my R.M.s? The owner of these R.M. Williams came into our workshop with the hope that his favourite boots could be revived. With the colour severely faded and liquid stains absorbed into the leather he was unsure whether his boots were still salvageable.
Treatment
The idea that leather shoes require polishing as a colour treatment is a common misconception. Polish is an overcoat that fades over time and offers no permanent solution particularly for stained or discoloured leather. It was therefore recommended for the R.M.s to be re-dyed to their original colour. The process involved extraction of the liquid stains before a light layer of colour-matched pigment was applied to the leather.
Chanel Strap Rethread
Background
A beloved Chanel clutch, received as an 18th gift and used on a regular basis for several years. The woman was distraught when the strap dislodged from the chain, rendering the bag unusable. On the recommendation of a work colleague, she made a visit to the our workshop in the hope of finding a solution.
Treatment
The strap was correctly identified as a classic Chanel as opposed to the vintage style (comprising chain links without the leather threaded through). The leather was woven through each of the gold links before being folded back and stitched. The repaired strap was then touched up with black dye to restore the discoloured areas.
Our Services
Service Details & Pricing
For a more comprehensive overview of our leather repair, alteration, dyeing and restorative services including pricing please refer to our services page.
Postal Orders & Courier Service
We accept Postal Orders from all around Australia including Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin and Adelaide. We also offer a Pick Up & Delivery Service for our Melbourne CBD clients.
Visit Our Heritage Workshop
For a personalised consultation with our shop assistants visit our shopfront and heritage workshop located at Shop 50, Royal Arcade, 150 Elizabeth Street Melbourne.
Get in Touch
With an established reputation for over 60 years and trusted by designers, fashionistas and luxury brands, we offer an unparalleled service for your leather goods. Contact one of our shop assistants today for a quote.
Contact Us